The Ensembles
Here are details of the BSYM groups:
Training Band
This group is open to all woodwind, brass and percussion players of grade 1-3 standard. Rehearsal takes place from 9.30 to 10.30 and players are invited to attend choir after break. Recent repertoire has included an arrangement of ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ by R. Kelly. The group is directed by Danny Madden.
BSYM Band
This ensemble is directed by Andrew Foister and Mark Whitlam. Brass, woodwind and percussion players join the wind band at grade 3 and work through to grade 5. Recent repertoire has included ‘The Pink Panther Meets the Flintstones’ arr.Brubaker. On reaching a high level in this band, students may wish to audition for the Senior Wind Band-SWB.
Training Strings
This group is made up of violinists, viola players, cellists and double bass players of grade 1 to 3 standards. The group is run by Anne Staples and Carol Mills. The group rehearses from 9.30 to 10.30, after which students are invited to attend choir.
BSYM Strings
This string ensemble is trained by Louise Jenkins. The students that form this group play violins, violas, cellos and double bass and are between grade 3 and 5 standard. After gaining experience in this group, it is hoped that students will audition for the Schools Philharmonic Orchestra-SPO. Recent music studied has included a selection from ‘Cats’ by Lloyd-Webber.
Choir
Choir is run by Danny Madden and rehearses from 11.00 to 12.00. The choir recently took part in a massed choral event in the Forum in Bath, performing Blake’s ‘Walking in the Air’ from ‘The Snowman’ to a full house.
Guitar Ensemble
This group was formed by Bill Lynn. It is an acoustic and electric guitar ensemble with players of all standards. Bill aims to cover repertoire of all different styles and genres.
Intermediate Groups
Bath and North East Somerset Music Service runs three other intermediate Music Centres in the Bath area. These are Keynsham Music Centre (Tuesday evenings at Broadlands School), Mendip Music Centre (Thursday evenings at Somervale School) and the Chew Valley Centre (Wednesday evenings at Chew Valley School). Membership of any Intermediate Centre entitles a student access to other Intermediate centres free of charge.
Senior Groups
It is hoped that once Intermediate Music Centre members have reached grade 5 standard, they will audition to join one of the Music Service's Senior Ensembles. Auditions are held at the end of each academic year and competition can be high for the more popular instruments. There are 3 Senior ensembles at present. These are SWB (Senior Wind Band) which rehearses at Hayesfield Upper School on Saturday mornings, SPO (Schools’ Philharmonic Orchestra) which rehearses on Wednesday evenings at Hayesfield Upper School, and Cantelina (Senior Choir) which rehearses at Broadlands School on Tuesday evenings.
Details of all ensembles can be obtained from the Bath and North East Somerset Music Service on 01225 395388.
